In a major policy reversal, Google has begun rolling out a long-requested feature that allows Gmail users to change their primary email address without sacrificing their existing account, data, or history. This move ends a nearly two-decade restriction that permanently locked users into their original sign-up choice.
The update was first spotted on Google’s official Hindi-language support page, indicating the initial launch phase may be underway in India ahead of a broader global release. Google has not yet made a formal worldwide announcement or provided a public timeline for full availability.
Breaking the Lock-In.
Since its launch in 2004, Gmail has enforced a rigid rule: the username chosen at registration became a user’s permanent digital identity for the service. This created a common pain point for users stuck with outdated, unprofessional, or embarrassing addresses from years past. The only previous workaround was the cumbersome process of creating a brand-new account and manually migrating data.
“This is a significant shift,” said tech analyst Maria Chen. “Google is acknowledging that a person’s digital identity needs to evolve. It’s a user-centric update that reduces friction and keeps people within the Google ecosystem.”
How the New System Works.
According to Google’s support documentation, the change is designed to be seamless:
· Users can replace their existing Gmail address while retaining their entire account—including emails, contacts, photos, Drive files, and subscriptions to services like YouTube, Maps, and Google Play.
· The original email address will automatically become an alias, continuing to receive messages into the same inbox. Both the old and new addresses can be used to sign in to Google services.
· All existing content and data remain intact, eliminating the need for manual data migration.
Important Limitations Apply.
The new flexibility comes with guardrails to prevent abuse. As reported by CNBC and outlined in support materials, key limitations include:
· Users may change their Gmail address only once every 12 months.
· Each account is limited to a maximum of three changes, allowing up to four total addresses per account lifetime.
· After a change, the new address cannot be deleted within the 12-month cooling-off period.
· The old address will be temporarily reserved and cannot be used to create a new account during that same year.
A Phased Global Rollout.
The feature’s quiet debut on a regional support page suggests Google is conducting a staged, phased rollout—a common practice for testing infrastructure and user response before a full launch. The company has not commented on when users in the United States, Europe, and other regions can expect access.
For millions of Gmail users worldwide, this update represents a newfound—and long-awaited—degree of control over their primary online identifier.